Ryan Bowman sank Partick Thistle further into the relegation mire as Motherwell finally found some form on the road.

The Fir Park hitman’s second-half header was enough to settle a contest which all-but confirmed the Jags face at least a playoff decider.

A trip to Dundee now beckons for Alan Archibald’s men who must win at Dens Park to guarantee that scenario with bottom side Ross County visiting St Johnstone with a superior goal-difference and the capability of overhauling them into 11th spot.

This was the night when Partick put it all on the line – a simple case of win or bust in their battle to preserve their slim hopes of avoiding the dreaded playoff fight for survival or worse, automatic Premiership relegation which was also still in the balance.

Adam Barton looks dejected

They had some positive omens on their side, standing in their way was a Well side which had won just once in 11 away outings and the Jags were boasting a six-match unbeaten home record against the visitors.

There was also a confidence bashing 5-1 loss from their weekend hammering from Saints to factor into the equation but Thistle’s run of only one win from 12 league matches told a story of why it’s reached crisis point.

The severity of the situation was clear from the first seconds as Kris Doolan fired over a cross from the left which was nodded inches wide by Conor Sammon as the home side forced the issue from the first whistle.

That early pressure should have produced a nerve calming opener as Doolan provided again from the opposite flank and his delivery fell perfectly for Ryan Edwards who’s downward header was blocked by keeper Trevor Carson.

Tom Aldred celebrates at full time

It was a squandered gift from six yards out for the Aussie knew if he’s placed it anywhere else the ball would have been in the net.

Motherwell’s response was to force as succession of corners which only served to heap the tension on a home support already in a state of high anxiety.

Those fears of being hit by a sucker punch were almost realised when Ryan Bowman was allowed space to turn inside the box but the striker slammed a shot wide in the 26th minute to let the Jags off the hook.

The half was brought to a close with another missed opportunity for Thistle as Edwards found himself free inside the box but his attempt to find Doolan was intercepted by Tom Aldred. Chris Erskine’s strike was then kept out by Carson much to the groans of a Partick support anxious for their team to find something to show for their dominance.

Ryan Bowman scores to make it 1-0

Sammon slashed an effort wide in the 55th minute as that clinical edge continued to elude the hosts.

The moment they were dreading arrived on the hour mark as the net finally bustled and it was the visitors who were celebrating.

David Turnbull’s terrific free-kick from the right was crying out for a finish and Bowman duly obliged by burying a header past Tomas Cerny.

The fury around Firhill was aimed at referee Bobby Madden for awarding what they felt was a soft set-piece for a barge from Baily Cargill on Chris Cadden but their predicament required an immediate response.

Chances continued to come and go for Thistle and Miles Storey drilled in a shot come cross from the left which slipped by the back post with no takers on a night when the Jags were devoid of any finishing instincts.

An injury time header from Martin Woods into the arms of Carson would be the last act for Partick as all eyes now turn to Tayside on Saturday as their survival mission continues now reached critical mass.